Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore has attributed the recent deadly stampedes in Oyo, Anambra, and Abuja to what he describes as the damaging economic policies of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, Sowore lamented the loss of over 100 lives in less than a week, citing the desperation of Nigerians as a direct result of Tinubu’s leadership since May 2023.
“Not less than 100 Nigerians have perished in less than a week in Ibadan (Oyo), Okija (Anambra), and Abuja (FCT) just in search of rice. This speaks precisely to the debilitating economic destruction wrought on Nigerians by the @officialABAT regime since his unfortunate ascension to power in May 2023,” Sowore stated.
The series of tragic events began on Wednesday in Ibadan, where 35 children were killed and several others injured during a children’s funfair organized by the foundation of the Ooni of Ife’s ex-wife. Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde condemned the incident and vowed to hold those responsible accountable.
On Saturday morning, another stampede occurred in Okija, Anambra, during a rice-sharing event organized by the Obi Jackson Foundation. The foundation, run by oil magnate Ernest Obiejesi, had planned the distribution as part of its Christmas charity efforts, but the large crowd led to chaos, leaving dozens feared dead.
The third incident took place the same day in Abuja, where at least 10 people, including four children, were killed during a church-organized Christmas food distribution event.
Reacting to the tragedies, Sowore criticized the administration’s economic policies, describing them as reckless and dangerous. He argued that these policies have driven Nigerians to the brink of desperation.
“If anyone didn’t know how bad things are and how our people are really desperate for survival, this unprecedented but unwarranted death by hunger-suicide tells the real story. Nigeria is in trouble, and Nigerians are endangered!” Sowore said.
The activist called the stampedes a stark reminder of the hardships facing ordinary Nigerians and emphasized the urgent need for immediate reforms to alleviate the suffering across the country.